Democrats have initiated a legal battle to block a recently enacted rule in Georgia that calls for ballots to be hand-counted by local precincts, asserting that it contravenes state regulations.

The lawsuit, supported by the Harris campaign, questions the rule's legality and its potential impact on the election process, The Hill reported.

Democrats File Lawsuit Against New Rule

On Monday, Democrats filed a lawsuit to halt a new requirement that necessitates local precincts in Georgia to hand-count ballots. The Georgia State Election Board, which endorsed the new rule earlier this month, faces the lawsuit.

The plaintiffs include the Democratic National Committee and the Georgia Democratic Party. They argue that the rule complicates Georgia's previously established procedures for ballot collection and tabulation.

The new rule mandates that local precincts hand-count ballots in addition to the existing machine tabulation process. Democrats contend that this introduces unnecessary confusion and potential delays in determining election outcomes.

Concerns Over the New Rule's Clarity

The lawsuit also highlights that the new rule fails to provide clear guidance on handling discrepancies that may arise between machine tabulation and hand counts. This lack of clarity could lead to significant issues in accurately counting votes.

According to the lawsuit, the new rule unlawfully adds requirements that exceed what the Georgia General Assembly initially envisioned. Democrats assert that the rule transfers some ballot counting responsibilities from county election boards to individual precinct workers, which could lead to inconsistencies.

The claim further notes that the Georgia State Election Board exceeded its authority by establishing this rule, raising questions about its legal standing and enforcement.

Bipartisan Concerns Highlighted

Interestingly, concerns regarding the new hand-count rule do not restrict themselves to one party. Prominent Republican state officials, such as Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, have also voiced their apprehensions about the implications of the rule.

This legal action marks the latest in a series of lawsuits that Democrats have filed against the Georgia State Election Board over various contested regulations. A bench trial concerning some of these disputed rules is scheduled to start on Tuesday.

Adding to the complexity, former President Trump has commended three members of the Georgia State Election Board, further fueling the political tension surrounding this new rule.

Harris-Walz Campaign's Stance on the Rule

Quentin Fulks, the principal deputy campaign manager for the Harris-Walz campaign, criticized the new rule. "As Donald Trump invents facts to try to sow doubt in our elections, his MAGA allies in Georgia passed a new rule just weeks before Election Day that will obstruct the process of counting votes," Fulks said.

He emphasized that the rule faces bipartisan opposition. "We agree with Georgia’s Republican Attorney General and Secretary of State: This rule is unproductive and unlawful, and we are fighting it," he stated.

Fulks concluded by affirming the Democratic party's commitment to ensuring fair elections. "Democrats are stepping in to ensure that Georgia voters can cast their ballots knowing that they will be counted in a free and fair election," he added.

Legal and Political Implications Up Ahead

This lawsuit could significantly impact election procedures in Georgia, especially with a trial set to begin imminently. The outcome of this legal challenge may shape not only the 2024 election process but also establish a precedent for future election regulations in the state.

As the legal proceedings unfold, both parties will likely argue passionately about the necessity and legality of the new hand-count rule. The court's decision will play a pivotal role in determining how officials will administer elections in Georgia moving forward.

Observers nationwide are closely watching this lawsuit as it touches on fundamental aspects of election integrity and the balance of power between state boards and legislative bodies. The debate over hand-counting ballots exemplifies broader national discussions about election security and voter access.